Active Loving

Saturday, March 24 / Luke 6:12-38

I see something new in this familiar passage this morning: a very active sense of “loving” my enemies.

In the past, I figured it was enough to just not retaliate, to adopt a live-and-let-live attitude toward those who hurt me. “Turning the other cheek” meant ignoring the hurt, avoiding the person. And oh yes, I could “pray for” my enemies—from a safe distance. Meanwhile, I'd spend my time with less difficult folks...

But this morning I see a call to a more personal and very active loving—a call to pray for my enemies, yes, but more. Do good to those who hate. Bless them as they curse. Offer the second cheek to be slapped. Give the thief more than he asks for. Lend without expecting repayment. Love without expecting return.

Treat others as God has treated me, with compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love-that unconditional love He offered, while I was yet His enemy.

“Be compassionate” rings in my heart this morning. Those “enemies” are not THE enemy, but victims of the enemy, just as I once was. Who knows which act of active loving will turn a heart or help open the door to faith?

Jesus says, “To those who are willing to listen…” Am I? In His strength and in His love, I prayerfully seek to obey.

Compassionate Savior, show me how and to whom this applies in my world and give me the courage to actively love my “enemies” today…